By Chinelo Obogo
When Captain Chris Najomo assumed the role of Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in December 2023, following the suspension of his predecessor, Captain Musa Nuhu, he outlined a bold and comprehensive agenda to drive reform within the aviation sector.
His primary focus areas included safety, financial stability, improved industry standards, enhanced consumer protection, and better staff welfare.
A standout accomplishment of Najomo’s leadership was the launch of the Flight Data Analysis Centre (FDAC), a groundbreaking facility that has greatly contributed to enhancing safety in Nigerian aviation. By scrutinising flight data to detect anomalies, the FDAC plays a crucial role in preventing incidents and bolstering overall flight security.
The FDAC enables proactive measures to address safety concerns, aligning Nigeria’s aviation operations with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In collaboration with ICAO, he also played a key role in developing the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), which outlines strategies to improve the safety and security of the sector. He was also instrumental in forming the National Executive Safety Committee (NESC) which is crucial for implementing Nigeria’s State Safety Programme (SSP). Under his guidance, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, were recertified after four years and this process resolved over 160 compliance issues.
Najomo’s crackdown on illegal charter operations is another significant achievement. He oversaw the suspension of violators using Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) for unauthorised charter operations and by enforcing stricter regulations and ensuring transparency, he helped maintain a level playing field and protect legitimate operators from unfair competition.
He also liberalised the registration and issuance of certificates for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones, making it easier for operators to comply with regulations.
Financial stability
Najomo’s focus on financial stability led to the introduction of the ‘no pay, no service’ policy in January 2024 which required airlines to settle their debts to the NCAA before receiving any services, significantly improving the agency’s financial health. By enforcing this policy, Najomo ensured that the NCAA could sustain its operations and continue investing in essential safety facilities.
To encourage investment in the aviation sector, Najomo introduced a flexible aircraft policy which allowed smaller airlines to operate with fewer aircraft, lowering entry barriers and fostering competition. As a result, five new airlines received their operational certificates, injecting fresh business into the sector. The Chief Operating Officer of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi in a recent media parley said that Nigerian airlines now have more capacity as not less than 10 aircraft has entered the country either from maintenance facilities abroad or through leases.
Elevating consumer protection and public enlightenment
The Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA has been reinvigorated with the launch of a new digital portal which has helped to streamline the processing of approvals, licenses, and passenger complaints and improving overall operational efficiency. The unit led by Mike Achimugu, has carried out numerous public enlightenment campaigns and stakeholder engagement, including roadshows, and these were conducted to educate and inform the public about their consumer protection rights.
In addition to rebranding the Consumer Protection Department, Najomo intensified enforcement against airlines for infractions such as delayed refunds and mishandling of luggage. These efforts have fostered greater accountability within the industry, ensuring that consumers receive fair treatment and timely resolutions to their complaints.
Staff welfare
Najomo also prioritised staff welfare within the NCAA. He ensured implementation of Condition of Service agreement, the payment of arrears and salary increments for contract staff. His leadership style, characterised by open communication and regular engagement with aviation unions, resulted in a harmonious and productive working environment. One of the leaders of the aviation unions confirmed to Daily Sun that for the first time in many years, funds were released to airworthiness inspectors to conduct thorough surveillance on airlines.
He also introduced the Face of Aviation Consumer Protection (FACP) initiative which recognises and rewards staff dedication and excellence, further motivating employees to uphold high standards of consumer service. Recognizing the importance of developing future aviation professionals, Najomo actively mentored young Nigerians. He offered guidance and pledged to seek scholarship opportunities for aspiring aviators, inspiring many young individuals to pursue careers in aviation.
Completion of abandoned projects
One of the standout achievements of Najomo’s tenure is the completion and commissioning of long-abandoned projects. The NCAA Regional Office in Port Harcourt, which had been stalled for over two decades, was finally completed under his leadership. This facility enhances the NCAA’s operational capabilities in the region, providing a modern and efficient workspace for its staff. Also, the Kano Regional Office was commissioned in December 2024, with plans to establish a new regional office in Enugu.
Concerns
One of the issues his administration has faced is the increase in flight disruptions; a concern which he admitted during a recent stakeholder meeting has reached an alarming level. During the meeting, he said that out of 10,804 flights operated in September and October this year, 5,225 were delayed, and 190 were cancelled. Giving a further breakdown of the data, he said in September 2024, 5,291 domestic flights were operated with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations, while in October 2024, 5513 flights were operated with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded.
At the meeting, he said it is the responsibility of every operator to ensure that whenever there is a disruption, whether due to operational, technical, or weather-related challenges, the situation is handled with professionalism and consideration for passengers’ rights. He said the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023 are mandatory obligations that every airline must adhere to and emphasised that the regulations ensure that passengers are promptly informed of schedule changes, delays or cancellations, accommodation, refreshments, and alternative travel arrangements are offered when disruptions exceed the acceptable limits.
He said adequate compensation must be provided where applicable and that non-compliance with these regulations will not be tolerated, and going forward, the NCAA will sanction airlines that violate these regulations. “I have instructed my team to monitor and enforce compliance and apply sanctions.
My team has engaged the industry in the last year by organising awareness, sensitization and training sessions for the airlines and the association of travel agents to re-educate them on the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations and airline obligations to passengers in the event of disruptions.
“This is also extended to passengers to also educate them on their responsibilities as the NCAA will also be joining airlines to enforce whatever penalties will be applicable for unruly behaviour because with Rights comes responsibilities,” Najomo said.
He noted that while he acknowledges the challenges faced by airlines, including infrastructural limitations and operational constraints, he said these challenges should not come at the expense of the passengers.